Ultimate Guide to Bird Netting for Solar Panels

Bird netting around solar panels is arguably the most effective bird-proofing method for protecting solar panels. Netting refers to using specialized mesh or net materials to create physical barriers that prevent birds from accessing the area below the panels. These materials create an effective barrier that keeps birds out while still allowing for airflow and sunlight penetration.

Birds, particularly pigeons, naturally flock to solar panels because they use them as a shield against predators. While you see your panels as a source of renewable energy, birds see them as an ideal place for nesting.

Birds roosting and nesting in solar panels can cause a wide range of problems, including:

  • Solar panel damage
  • Decrease in solar panel efficiency
  • Blocked gutters and drains caused by droppings
  • Roof damage
  • Voided manufacturer’s warranty

Fortunately, the installation of bird netting has emerged as an effective and humane solution to this problem. If you’ve installed solar panels on your property, it’s advisable to invest in bird netting to protect your investment.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about bird netting around solar panels. We will explore how bird netting works, its advantages, and why you’ll need to hire a professional to help you with solar panel bird proofing.

Check out our 6 Solar Panel Bird Deterrents To Discourage Pigeons From Nesting On Your Property.

How Does Bird Netting Around Solar Panels Work?


Manufacturers typically create bird netting from lightweight and durable materials such as polyethylene or nylon. They carefully design it to form a barrier around the panels. This allows sunlight to pass through, ensuring that the panels can continue harnessing the sun’s energy effectively.

The netting is strategically installed around the solar panels, effectively covering the gaps and crevices where birds tend to nest or perch. By doing so, it creates a physical barrier that prevents birds from accessing these areas. The netting is securely attached to the panels and nearby structures, ensuring stability even in adverse weather conditions.

The advantage of bird netting is its focus on bird safety. The netting’s mesh size prevents birds from getting entangled or trapped, ensuring they are deterred without harm or distress.

Besides its primary function of bird deterrence, bird netting also serves to safeguard the solar panels themselves. By preventing birds from nesting, roosting, the netting helps maintain their optimal performance. It reduces the accumulation of debris and other rodents, ensuring that the panels can continue generating energy.

Why Bird Netting Around Solar Panels Is Important

If you’re wondering if investing in bird netting is a worthwhile investment, here are some of the benefits of bird proofing solar panels using netting.

1. Preservation of Solar Panel Efficiency

Birds perching, nesting, or leaving droppings on panels can obstruct sunlight and hamper energy production. Moreover, the birds can peck at the wiring and scratch the surface of the panels, causing damage. The netting acts as a shield, preventing such interference and enabling the panels to generate electricity at their maximum capacity.

2. Protection for Birds

Bird netting around solar panels plays a vital role in safeguarding birds from potential harm. It creates a barrier that prevents them from accessing the gaps and crevices beneath the panels, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities.

3. Maintenance and Longevity

By keeping birds away from solar panels, bird netting helps maintain their cleanliness. It reduces the accumulation of droppings, feathers, and nesting materials, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the panels. This translates into reduced maintenance and cleaning requirements, saving time and resources.

4. Cost-Effective Solution

Although installing bird netting requires an initial investment, it can offer long-term cost savings. By preventing damage, reducing maintenance needs, and optimizing energy output, bird netting offers a cost-effective solution that ensures the efficient operation of solar panel systems over time.

How Much Does It Cost To Install Bird Netting Around Solar Panels?

The cost of installing bird netting around solar panels could range from $250 to $1500, depending on the following factors.

  • The size of the solar panel array
  • The complexity of the installation—the angle of your roof
  • The specific requirements of the site.

The cost of bird netting itself is relatively affordable and typically priced per square foot or meter. The exact pricing can depend on the quality of the netting material used. If professional installation services are required, there may be associated labor costs, which can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the expertise of the installers.

To obtain an accurate estimate for your specific solar panel bird proofing project, get in touch with professionals who specialize in bird proofing. The experts can assess your site, provide you with a detailed cost estimate, and recommend the most suitable bird netting solution based on your requirements.

Are There DYI Kits for Bird Netting Solar Panels?

Yes. MAPORCH stands out from the crowd by providing a high-quality DYI kit. The solar mesh screen’s premium materials and easy installation package make it a seamless addition to any rooftop solar system. With MAPORCH, you will get a bird-proof solar solution without sacrificing efficiency or durability.

Is Bird Netting Around Solar Panels Effective?

The answer is YES. Bird netting around solar panels is highly effective in mitigating bird-related issues. It creates a physical barrier that prevents birds from accessing the areas beneath and around the panels. It effectively prevents birds from nesting and controls the accumulation of bird droppings, feathers, and debris to ensure cleaner and more efficient panels. When installed correctly, the netting provides a long-lasting and reliable solution for protecting solar panels from bird and rodent damage.

Professional installation of bird netting is recommended for several reasons. Solar panel bird proofing experts possess the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure the netting is correctly installed. They can assess the specific requirements of your site, choose the appropriate netting material, and install it securely without causing any harm to the birds or compromising the integrity of the panels. Professional netting installation also guarantees that the netting is properly tensioned and aligned, maximizing its effectiveness in deterring birds while maintaining optimal solar panel performance.

Conclusion

As you can see, bird netting around solar panels is a perfect way to prevent birds from accessing the gaps and crevices beneath them. If you’re ready to install bird netting around your solar panels, look for bird proofing professionals to help you out.